A January Reset, the Apothecary Way

January 8, 2026

After the lights, the parties, and the inevitable flurry of holiday chaos comes a rare gift: January. The quiet after the storm. A month meant for recalibration. At C.O. Bigelow, we see January as the time to restore your rhythm, repair your skin, and reset your mind without pressure to reinvent yourself.

Here is how to slow down on purpose while the new year speeds up.

Why Rest Matters More Than Ever

January has a reputation for productivity, but your body and skin are still firmly in winter mode. Cold temperatures peak, indoor heat runs constantly, and daylight remains limited. Your nervous system is adjusting to a new routine after weeks of disruption.

This is not the moment to push through exhaustion.

Rest works best when it is treated as part of your routine rather than a reward for surviving the month.

Apothecary-Inspired Rituals for a Winter Reset

1. Soak In Instead of Powering Through

A long soak remains one of the most effective ways to reset the body, especially when January tension settles into shoulders and lower backs.

Run the water hot enough to steam your bathroom mirror. Drop in Herbal Comfort Soak No. 122, a blend of peppermint, eucalyptus, echinacea, and ginger designed to relax tired muscles and clear your head. For a magnesium-rich rotation, add in Herbal Comfort Soaking Salts No. 244 once or twice a week to boost circulation and support deep sleep.

If showers are more your speed, place a Herbal Comfort Shower Steamer Tablets No. 143 (COMING SOON) on the shower floor and let the steam do the work.

Tip: Place your steamer away from direct water flow for multiple uses. A small shift that turns one ritual into a week’s worth of calm.

2. Aromatherapy for the Mentally Overbooked

January may feel quieter socially, but mentally it can be overwhelming. Lists grow longer while energy stays low.

Your sense of smell connects directly to the brain’s emotional center, which is why aromatherapy can feel immediate and grounding. Keep essential oils or Herbal Comfort Relief Stick No. 165 at your desk or nightstand.

Inhale deeply before bed or during a midday pause, especially on days that feel longer than expected.

Tip: For lasting calm, pair scent with a habit, like rolling Herbal Comfort Relief Stick on your wrists when you close your laptop or get into bed. Repetition helps turn relief into ritual.

3. Moisture as a Mindset

January air is unforgiving. Outdoor cold strips moisture from the skin, while indoor heat dries it out further. The skin barrier is under constant stress. Replenishing moisture at this point in winter is preventative rather than indulgent.

Use a rich cream after every bath to seal hydration (try one of our salves on dry patches, cuticles, and lips). Replace lightweight summer formulas with heavier balms and oils.

Tip: Apply body cream on damp skin. Moisture binds better to moisture.

4. Build a Better Evening

You do not need a dramatic reset or a perfect routine. You need a dependable one.

Set aside twenty minutes each evening that belong only to you. Dim the lights 30 minutes earlier. Apply My Favorite Night Balm No. 306 before bed to repair dryness overnight and signal the transition into rest.

Tip: Set an evening “curfew” alarm on your phone. Not to end your day, but to start your unwind. Consistency is what turns rest into ritual.

The Apothecary Philosophy: Slow as a Skill

In the 1800s, healing could not be rushed. Tinctures steeped, oils infused, and time was part of the remedy.

January asks for that same patience.

At C.O. Bigelow, we still believe the most effective remedies are the ones you allow yourself time to feel. Pause before you scroll. Soak before you rush. Restoration is not something you schedule once. It is something you practice daily.